Today's society largely supports the rightness of same-sex marriage. For many people, marriage is believed to be a relationship between two people, preferably a man and a woman. The LGBT community fights for their right to marry without being denied by the government. The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States is of great importance to the future of marriage equality throughout the LBGT community. Same-sex marriage will not harm the functioning of society or other marriages within it, as well as being protected by the Constitution, and alleviates permanent discrimination. Legalizing same-sex marriage will not harm heterosexual marriage or the functioning of society. Marriage is a union between two people. It's based on the love two people share, not on gender and sexuality. Heterosexual marriages do not affect each other on a daily basis. Therefore, same-sex marriages won't do it either. Ellen DeGeneres, comedian, talk show host and one of the seemingly most popular gay people in Hollywood, has been married to her wife Portia for four years. They were lucky enough to marry only during the short time that gay marriage was legal in California. “Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in these four years, I don't think we've damaged anyone else's marriage. I asked all my neighbors and they say they are fine” (Boone) As of December 23, 2013, eighteen states have the freedom to marry same-sex couples. Over 38% of the US population lives in a state that has the freedom to marry or honors marriages of same-sex couples abroad. (Freedom to marry) Same-sex marriage will not adversely harm other marriages or societies. In fact, they will help society. Gay marriage... center of paper... marriage is a controversial topic in today's society. As the LGBT community fights for marriage equality, they feel inferior to those who can marry. Same-sex marriage is not intended to harm heterosexual marriage or affect the functioning of society. Studies show that same-sex marriage would help the economy and, if the government allows it, increase adoption rates. According to the First and Fourteenth Amendments; Same-sex marriage is protected by the Constitution. There are multiple court cases on marriage equality to support the Constitution. Same-sex marriage would end the stigmatization of homosexuals and discrimination against them. Over a thousand rights are denied to same-sex couples. Marriage equality and these civil rights would once again see all men treated as equal. The future of marriage equality depends on the legalization of same-sex marriage.